twang

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈtwaŋ 

1

a

: nasal speech or resonance

b

: the characteristic speech of a region, locality, or group of people

2

: a harsh quick ringing sound like that of a plucked banjo string

3

a

: an act of plucking

b

: pang, twinge

twangy

ˈtwaŋ-ē 

adjective

twang

2 of 3

verb

twanged; twanging ˈtwaŋ-iŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to sound with a twang

the couch twanged when he sat down

2

: to speak or sound with a nasal intonation

3

: to throb or twitch with pain or tension

transitive verb

1

: to cause to sound with a twang

2

: to utter or pronounce with a nasal twang

3

: to pluck the string of

twang a guitar

twanger noun

twang

3 of 3

noun (2)

1

: a persisting flavor, taste, or odor : tang

2

: suggestion, trace

Examples of twang in a Sentence

Verb

The rope twanged when it snapped.

He was twanging the strings of the guitar.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Adopting a knee-slapping beat and country twang, complete with a two-piece gingham outfit, Roan twirled and lassoed on stage to a rapturous audience. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2024

With his Midwestern twang and strong feelings on home gutters, Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz has been figured much like the guy (or football coach) next door. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2024

Verb

The practice of rewriting the lyrics and twanging up old rock songs is on the way to becoming a tradition for country music, with more on the way. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2023

Other types of biologically active molecules can also twang the delicate neurons, interfering with thoughts, memories and behaviors. —Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 20 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

imitative

Noun (2)

alteration of tang

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1553, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1570, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun (2)

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

twang

1 of 2 noun

ˈtwaŋ 

1

: a harsh quick ringing sound

2

: nasal speech

twang

2 of 2 verb

twanged; twanging ˈtwaŋ-iŋ 

1

: to sound or cause to sound with a twang

2

: to speak with a nasal twang